What Is Food Sustainability and Why Is It Important?
A sustainable future depends heavily on creating a sustainable food supply. The environmental impact of traditional agriculture is well-documented. Agriculture has been one of the most significant contributors to the current climate crisis, but fortunately, farmers are adopting eco-friendly practices worldwide.
One of the groundbreaking contributors to this sustainable revolution is Eden Green. With our state-of-the-art vertical farming and hydroponic technology, we are redefining what it means to farm sustainably.
Growing produce 24/7/365, we utilize significantly less land and water than traditional farming. Retailers have the unique opportunity to customize their produce offerings, ensuring freshness and quality like never before. And with produce reaching stores within just 48 hours of harvest, it's a testament to the efficiency and promise of Eden Green's approach.
This article will describe five of the most influential sustainable farming practices in use today and how they are helping agriculture become more sustainable.
Below is a quick breakdown of what is discussed throughout the article:
Factors of Food Sustainability
All sustainable agriculture initiatives include certain specific factors. These include a low environmental impact, a focus on animal welfare and public health, and economic viability.
Low Environmental Impact
The most important aspect of sustainable farming is that it seeks to maintain the lowest environmental impact possible. This means not overusing or depleting natural resources such as fresh water or soil nutrients. It also means not adding pollutants to the environment, such as those from chemical pesticides and herbicides.
Furthermore, innovations like vertical farming and hydroponics are bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern needs. Systems like Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) are setting new benchmarks in sustainable food production, ensuring we can meet global demands without compromising our planet's health.
Animal Welfare
Standard practices for livestock farming are frequently described as barbaric or inhumane. Sustainable farmers seek to raise livestock so they are given healthy, natural lives for as long as possible. It’s the difference between cattle allowed to roam in large pastures and those confined to cramped feedlots. This is healthier for the animals and produces more nutritional animal products such as meat, eggs, or dairy.
Public Health
In addition to protecting the health of the planet and the health and well-being of animals, sustainable agriculture seeks to protect public health. This means creating sustainable food not contaminated by pathogens and dangerous chemicals. It also means not contaminating fresh water sources or the atmosphere with harmful runoff.
Economic Viability
Finally, for a practice to be truly sustainable, it must be economically viable. The most environmentally friendly growing methods won’t work long-term if they can’t bring in enough money to fund their own operations. This is one of the most challenging hurdles for many sustainable practices.
What is Sustainable Farming?
Sustainable farming describes methods of producing crops and livestock that won’t compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. These farming methods aim to protect the environment, enhance biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of farmers, farm workers, and society as a whole.
Many investors are interested in financing such practices as part of initiatives aimed at Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) concerns. For more information, check out our article, What is Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG)?
5 Sustainable Agriculture Practices
Many sustainable agriculture practices are in use today, and even more are being developed as you read this. We will focus on five of the most promising practices available to farmers today.
Agroforestry
In the simplest terms, agroforestry is a land management concept that intentionally blends crops with trees, bushes, wildlife, and sometimes livestock on the same plot of land. This is a more natural approach to farming and is known to improve soil health through increased biodiversity.
One excellent example of this sustainable farming method grows in the Amazonian region. There, black pepper crops intermingle with cupuaçu, açaí, mahogany timber, and Brazil nut trees.
Cover Crops
Similarly to agroforestry, cover crops are an agricultural method that involves planting different crops on the same land. In this case, cover crops (useless for income but beneficial for the soil) are planted in the fields after cash crops (those that the farmer will harvest and sell) are harvested. Otherwise, fields would be left empty between cash crop plantings, so this farming method “covers” the otherwise open soil.
Cover crops help prevent erosion and replenish nutrients in the soil between cash crop seasons. An example of this practice is in the American heartland, where soy and corn farmers plant native grasses like rye and winter wheat in the off-season.
Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is a method of rotating which fields will be used for which crops to replenish the soil. Since different crops have different nutrient requirements, rotating different crops through the same field will allow the field to recover these nutrients over time.
In a simple example, a farmer might plant a field of corn one season and deplete the nitrogen in the soil. The next season, they might plant the same field with soybeans because they return nitrogen to the soil. A more complex rotation was common in the early 20th century in the northern Midwest and the Northeast. Common crop rotations at the time looked like this:
Year 1: Plant corn
Year 2: Plant oats while seeding mixed legume grass hay
Years 3, 4, 5: Grow mixed legume grass hay
Years 6, 7: Use field for pasture land
Permaculture
Unlike the other practices listed here, permaculture is a more holistic concept of food production. A permaculture system is more than just a simple farm and might include an entire community. Such a system is designed to balance the needs of plants, animals, and humans alike.
One example of permaculture is the Happy Food Farm in Nanning, China. This system includes living quarters for the farmers, fishponds, livestock breeding, agricultural fields, and forests. The system is designed to be self-sustaining with each component giving back to the whole. The farm even has an educational component, teaching local children about sustainable agricultural practices.
Hydroponic Vertical Greenhouses
The most technologically advanced of our sustainable examples is the hydroponic vertical greenhouse. In such hydroponic systems, crops are grown indoors in towers, stacked high into the air.
The benefits of hydroponics are numerous. These crops require no soil, instead getting their nutrients from enriched water flowing directly to the plants’ roots. Because the plants are grown indoors, they are climate agnostic and not impacted by season or weather conditions. Within their greenhouses, they’re also protected from contamination and from pests, eliminating the need for dangerous pesticides and creating a safer food product for consumers. For more information, check out our article, Hydroponics vs. Traditional Farming.
An excellent example of this growing system is Eden Green Technology’s vertical farms in Cleburne, TX. The campus produces five million pounds of leafy greens per year, using 98% less water and 99% less land than traditional farming methods. They can currently produce over 200 varieties of commercially viable produce and are continually developing new crops for the system. This not only showcases the future of sustainable food production but also the realization of food sustainability in action.
How to Make Sustainable Food Choices
Making responsible and sustainable food choices is a crucial step toward a healthier planet and a healthier you. Here are some insightful tips to guide you on this journey:
Shop Local: Purchasing local produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation. Not only is local food often fresher, but it also supports your local economy. Dive into the experience of local farmers' markets and bond with growers in your community. Remember, every time you buy local, you're making a positive impact on the environment.
Mindful Meat Consumption: While meat can be a source of essential nutrients, its production is resource-intensive. Reducing your meat intake can lead to a significant positive environmental impact. Adopting practices like "Meatless Mondays" or having designated vegetarian days can be a great start. And for those looking to take a bigger leap, exploring plant-based diets can be both healthy and eco-friendly.
Opt for Whole Foods: Processed foods often come with hidden environmental costs. Shopping the perimeter of your grocery store introduces you to whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains. As a simple rule of thumb, the fewer the ingredients, the closer the product is to its natural state.
Cultivate a Green Thumb: Growing your own food can be a rewarding and sustainable choice. Home gardens are eco-friendly and give you control over what goes into your food. From herbs on your windowsill to a backyard vegetable patch, every bit contributes to sustainable food practices.
Explore Modern Farming Practices: Technologies like hydroponics offer a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture. Brands like Eden Green are pioneering this space, producing fresh and nutritious produce with minimal environmental impact. Learn more about these practices and consider incorporating hydroponic produce into your diet for a truly sustainable choice.
Understanding Food Labels
There are several sustainable food labels that you might see when you’re at the grocery store. Here are some of the most common and what they mean.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of food sustainability?
Sustainable food is more than just a label — it's a commitment to the future. It signifies agriculture that nurtures the environment, ensures the well-being of livestock and wildlife, and supports the farmworkers and consumers alike.
What makes food sustainable?
The essence of food sustainability lies in its production. True sustainability is achieved when food is produced without exhausting natural resources, eroding the topsoil, or polluting our environment with harmful runoff and chemicals.
What is a sustainable food model?
A sustainable food model prioritizes the present while safeguarding the future. It's about meeting today's needs without jeopardizing the capacity of future generations to meet theirs. It's a holistic approach, emphasizing the well-being of our planet, its inhabitants, and the intricate ecosystems they form.
What is food sustainability and why is it important?
Food sustainability is a proactive approach to agriculture, focusing on long-term viability and environmental harmony. Given the extensive impact traditional agriculture has had on our planet and its delicate ecosystems, pivoting toward sustainable methods becomes imperative for the health of our Earth.
What are 3 tips for sustainable eating?
Cultivate Your Greens: Whenever feasible, grow your food. It gives you control, freshness, and a connection to what you consume.
Champion Local Produce: Embrace locally sourced foods. It supports local economies and reduces carbon footprints.
Whole Foods Over Processed: Prioritize unprocessed foods, like fresh fruits and vegetables, for their natural goodness and minimal environmental impact.
How is sustainable food better for the environment?
Sustainable food is a beacon for responsible agriculture. By consuming less water, preserving the soil, and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable food practices set a blueprint for a healthier planet.
How do hydroponics promote food sustainability?
Hydroponics is revolutionizing agriculture. By eliminating the need for soil, it sidesteps issues of soil degradation. It's remarkably water-efficient and embodies several sustainability benefits, making it a frontrunner in future-ready farming practices.
Partner with Eden Green Technology for a Sustainable Future
Are you committed to sourcing sustainable, high-quality food for grocery stores or restaurants? Look no further. Eden Green Technology is your ideal partner in revolutionizing the food industry. Here's why:
Variety: Choose from over 200 commercially viable produce options.
Customization: Benefit from white-label produce options, including specialized salad blends, fresh herbs, and more.
Quality: Our produce meets the highest industry standards and is available year-round, irrespective of climate or season.
Don't just read about the future of agriculture—be a part of it. Take the first step in aligning your business with sustainability and community impact.
Become a part of the solution. Let's grow together for a healthier, more sustainable world.